WO2000042798A1

WO2000042798A1 - System and method for menu title display in a wireless communication device

Info

Publication number: WO2000042798A1
Application number: PCT/US2000/000664
Authority: WO
Inventors: Karthick Chinnaswami
Original assignee: Qualcomm Incorporated
Priority date: 1999-01-12
Filing date: 2000-01-11
Publication date: 2000-07-20
Also published as: AU2502000A

Abstract

A wireless communication device (100) includes an audio output device (122), a processor (114), and display (126). The processor receives identification data indicative of whether a wireless communication device (100) is connected to or disconnected from an external accessory (201) and identifies the external accessory. The processor (114) generates selection data according to the identification data. When the user programmable volume levels or other parameters are being programmed, the display (126) shows a menu title to indicate whether the volume levels of the wireless communication device (100) or a connected external accessory (201) are being programmed. The particular title is selected based on the selection data and then shown on the display of the wireless communication device. The selection data generated by the processor may also be used to select a storage location where the particular programmable volumes levels are to be stored. The volume level at which an output driver will generate driving signals for the appropriate output device, that is, either the wireless communication device or a connected external accessory, is determined by the volume levels stored at the storage location selected based on the selection data.

Description

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MENU TITLE DISPLAY IN A WIRELESS COMMUNICATION DEVICE

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is related generally to wireless communication devices and connectable external accessories and, more particularly, to a system and method of displaying visual cues on the display of a wireless communication device.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Modern wireless communication devices, such as cellular telephones, produce a variety of audible signals. For example, a cellular telephone produces the voice of the caller at its earpiece. The cellular telephone additionally produces audible signals to provide the user with feedback or with cellular telephone status information. For example, the cellular telephone produces a ringer sound to alert the user of an incoming cellular telephone call, or produces a key "beep" when a key is depressed. The cellular telephone may also produce a message alert signal when voicemail is received. In most cases, the cellular telephone will have separate user programmable volume levels for each of the audible signals it produces.

Modern cellular telephones are also designed so that the user may connect external accessories to the cellular telephone, enabling the user to use the cellular telephone in a wider range of applications than if the cellular telephone were used by itself. For example, a headset accessory may be connected to some cellular telephones so that a microphone and earpiece are positioned in proximity of the user's mouth and ear, respectively, to permit hands-free operation of the cellular telephone. Another example of a common external accessory connectable to a cellular telephone is a carkit accessory that allows the cellular telephone to be used while driving an automobile without the inconvenience of holding the cellular telephone. The kit includes a microphone that can be attached to a convenient location within the automobile so the user does not have to hold the cellular telephone, and the kit is connected to the automobile's audio system so that the audible signals produced by the cellular telephone can be heard over the speakers of the audio system.

As mentioned above, a cellular telephone has separate user programmable volume levels for the earpiece, ringer, key beeps, and message alert. Typically, a set of separate volume levels is stored for each of the external accessories that may be connected to the cellular telephone, in addition to the volume levels for the cellular telephone itself. Thus, the user can program one set of volume levels when a headset is connected to the cellular telephone, a second set of volume levels when a carkit is connected to the cellular telephone, and a third set of volume levels when the cellular telephone is being used without any external accessory. By storing separate sets of volume levels for each condition, the user does not need to reprogram the volume levels each time the cellular telephone is used with a different external accessory or without any accessory at all. However, with current cellular telephones, programming the appropriate volume levels for various external accessories is confusing to the user. Therefore, it can be appreciated that there is a need for a wireless communication device that simplifies the process of programming volume levels when the cellular telephone is used alone or with an external accessory connected to the cellular telephone. The present invention provides this and other advantages, as will be apparent from the following detailed description and accompanying figures.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is embodied in a system and method directed to showing on a display of a wireless communication device a label indicating which volume level of the wireless communication device or a connected external accessory is being programmed. In one embodiment, the wireless communication device includes a processor, an output device, and a display. The wireless communication device can be connected to an external accessory through a connector. The processor receives identification data that indicates whether the wireless communication device is connected to an external accessory and further identifies the type of external device. The processor generates selection data based on the identification data. The display will show a label related to the user programmable volume level being programmed based on the selection data generated by the processor.

In an exemplary embodiment, the wireless communication device further includes an output driver that receives the selection data from the processor and generates driving signals at the programmed volume levels in response to the selection data. The resulting driving signals are used to drive the output device of the wireless communication device or the external accessory, depending on whether the wireless communication device is connected to an external accessory, as reflected by the selection data.

In one embodiment, the wireless communication device also includes storage locations for storing the user programmable volume levels. The particular storage location where the programmable volume levels are stored is selected based on the selection data generated by the processor.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of the wireless communication system of the present intention. FIG. 2 illustrates the connection of different external accessories to the system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3A-3D illustrate data shown on a display of the system of FIG. 1 when coupled to various external accessories.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED

EMBODIMENTS

As previously discussed, a typical cellular telephone may include multiple programmable volume levels with a separate storage location for each volume level. However, with current cellular telephones the volume menu title appearing on the cellular telephone display when programming the different sets of volume levels remains the same, regardless of whether the volume level being programmed is for the accessory or for the cellular telephone itself. For example, if the cellular telephone is connected to a headset accessory and the user programs one or more volume levels, changes will be made to the set of volume levels related to the headset by virtue of the headset being connected to the cellular telephone. In spite of the fact that the headset volume settings are being programmed, the volume menu title appearing on the cellular telephone display is the same as the volume menu title displayed when programming the volume levels of the cellular telephone itself. The result is that the user cannot be certain which set of volume levels is being programmed without first ascertaining if the external accessory is truly connected to the cellular telephone. If the cellular telephone is used in a car, the user must typically manually determine whether the carkit accessory is actually connected to the cellular telephone before adjusting the volume levels. Such manual operation creates a distraction for the driver that increases the potential of being involved in a traffic accident. In another situation, the user may not notice that the cellular telephone is disconnected from the external accessory and program new volume levels for the cellular telephone itself when intending to adjust the volume settings related to the external accessory. The user may not discover that the incorrect volume levels have been adjusted until later when the user may be put into an embarrassing situation if the cellular telephone rings or produces a message alert too loudly.

The problems associated with displaying the same volume menu title when adjusting the volume levels, regardless of whether the cellular telephone is being used alone or with an external accessory, are not only inconvenient, but also increase the potential of danger for the user, as well as for other people. The present invention overcomes these problems by altering the displayed volume menu title based on the particular external accessory and whether or not the cellular telephone is connected to the external accessory. Although described herein as a cellular telephone, the principles of the present invention are applicable to a variety of wireless communication devices including, but not limited to, cellular/PCS, radio telephone, conventional radio, and the like. Accordingly, the present invention is not limited by the specific form of wireless communication device. Furthermore, menu titles other than volume menu titles may be altered in accordance with the principles of the present invention.

The present invention is embodied in a system 100 illustrated in the functional block diagram of FIG. 1. The system 100 includes a wireless communication device 101 and an external accessory 201, illustrated in FIG. 2 as either a headset accessory 202 or carkit accessory 210. Although there are many other possible external accessories that may be connected to the wireless communication device 101, in the interest of brevity, they will not be described in this application. However, the absence of any description of these external accessories is not meant to limit the scope of the invention.

The wireless communication device 101, which may be embodied in a cellular telephone, includes a housing 102 that contains a transmitter 104 and a receiver 106 to allow transmission and reception of data, such as audio communications, between the system 100 and a remote location, such as a cell site controller (not shown). The transmitter 104 and receiver 106 may be combined into a transceiver 108. An antenna 110 is attached to the housing 102 and electrically coupled to the transceiver 108. The operation of the transmitter 104, receiver 106, and antenna 110 is well known in the art and need not be described herein. Although FIG. 1 illustrates the antenna 110 as extending from the housing 102, some designs may include an internal antenna that is contained completely within the housing. However, the transmitter 104, receiver 106, and antenna 110 operate in a conventional manner regardless of the location of the antenna. The wireless communication device 101 also includes a central processing unit (CPU) 112, which controls operation of the system 100. The CPU 112 may perform all the tasks involved with the operation of the system 100, or only a portion of them, where the remaining tasks are delegated to other processing units included in the system. For example, the wireless communication device 101 may include, in addition to CPU 112, an identification processor 114 for receiving identification data. The identification data reflects whether the wireless communication device 101 is connected to an external accessory, and identifies the specific external accessory if one is connected. The identification processor 114 will be described in greater detail below.

The wireless communication device 101 further includes a memory 116 which may include both read-only memory (ROM) and random access memory (RAM). A portion of the memory 116 may also include non-volatile random access memory to store information that must be present upon powering up the wireless communication device 101. Memory 116 is used generally to store instructions and data for processing by the CPU 112.

The wireless communication device 101 also includes an output data memory 118 that is devoted to storing user programmable volume levels and the associated menu titles or labels for the earpiece, ringer, key beep, and message alert. As previously discussed, a separate set of volume levels is stored for each external accessory that may be connected to the wireless communication device 101, and for the wireless communication device itself, so that the volume levels do not need to be reprogrammed each time an external accessory is connected to or disconnected from the wireless communication device 101.

The wireless communication device 101 also includes an audio input device, such as a microphone 120, and an audio output device, such as a speaker 122. The microphone 120 and speaker 122 operate in a conventional manner to provide two-way audio communication using the wireless communication device 101. The speaker 122 is driven by driving signals generated by an output driver 124. The driving signals provided by the output driver 124 will be converted by the speaker 122 into audible signals to transmit the voice of the caller to the user, or produce audible cues that assist the user in operating the wireless communication device 101. Examples of audible cues are a ringer sound to signal the user of an incoming call, a key beep to indicate when a key is depressed, and a message alert to signal the user of an incoming voicemail or e-mail. In an exemplary embodiment, the wireless communication device 101 has a user programmable volume level for each of the audible signals it produces, that is, for the earpiece, ringer, key beep, and message alert over the speaker 122. The output driver produces the driving signal at an output level according to the selected user programmable volume level, as described below. The wireless communication device 101 also includes a display 126 to conveniently display user instructions as well as user-entered data, such as destination telephone numbers and alphanumeric text, to the user. The information shown on display 126 provides visual cues that assist the user in the operation of the system 100. In an exemplary embodiment of the system 100, display 126 of wireless communication device 101 will display volume menu titles or labels to indicate whether the volume levels of the wireless communication device 101 or a connected external accessory are being adjusted. The correct menu title to show on display 126 is selected from output data memory 118 based on the selection data .

A keypad 128 is attached to the housing 102 for operation by the user in a conventional manner. The keypad 128 provides a convenient input device by which destination telephone numbers and commands may be entered by the user. In an exemplary embodiment, the keypad 128 is used to program the desired volume level, as will be described below.

The electrical components of the system 100 receive power from a battery 130, which is attached to and supported by the housing 102. In an exemplary embodiment, the battery 130 is a rechargeable battery. In other embodiments, the system 100 may include a connector (not shown) for the connection of an external power source, such as an automobile power adapter, AC power adapter, or the like.

The various components of the system 100 are coupled together by a bus system 132 of the wireless communication device 101, which may include a power bus, control signal bus, and status signal bus in addition to a data bus.

However, for the sake of clarity, the various buses are illustrated in FIG. 1 as the bus system 132.

External accessories 201 may be connected to wireless communication device 101 through a connector 134. The external accessories are connected to the bus system 132 through the connector 134. When connected to the wireless communication device 101, the external accessory 201 allows the wireless communication device to be used in a wider range of applications.

Some examples of the external accessories 201 are the headset accessory 202 and the carkit accessory 210, which are illustrated in FIG. 2. The headset accessory 202 is useful because the user does not need to hold the wireless communication device 101 during operation. The mouthpiece 204 and earpiece 206 are positioned by the headset 201 accessory and are used in place of the microphone 120 and speaker 122 of the wireless communication device 101 whenever the headset accessory 202 is connected. The headset accessory 202 allows the wireless communication device 101 to be used in situations where the user's hands must be kept free or where holding the wireless communication device near the user's head is inconvenient. For example, the user can use the wireless communication device 101 while exercising, or when the user must continually write down information provided by the caller.

The carkit accessory 210 is also useful because an external microphone 212 attached to the interior of an automobile is used in place of the microphone 120, and the audible output signals produced by the wireless communication device are transmitted over the automobile's audio system 214 in place of the speaker 122. Thus, the user can use the wireless communication device and continue to drive using both hands without any distractions from trying to hold the wireless communication device.

In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the identification processor 114 receives identification data that indicates whether the wireless communication device 101 is connected to the external accessory 201 and, if so, further identifies the type of external accessory. The techniques used to determine whether the wireless communication device 101 is coupled to any external accessory and to identify the external accessory is described in copending U.S. Patent Application No. 09/229,131, entitled SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR THE AUTOMATIC IDENTIFICATION OF ACCESSORIES COUPLED TO A WIRELESS COMMUNICATION DEVICE, filed on October 15, 1998, and assigned to the assignee of the present application. That application is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Based on the identification data, the identification processor 114 generates selection data to select the appropriate programmed volumes from the output data memory 118. The selection data may be, by way of example, address data to select one or more specific locations in the output data memory 118 (see FIG. 1) to select the appropriate programmed volume levels. The information at the storage location determines the output level at which the output driver 124 will generate driving signals to drive the corresponding output device. In addition, the selection data is used in the programming process to select the correct menu title to be shown on the display 126. A set of menu titles corresponding to each programmable volume level of each external accessory 201 is stored in the output data memory 118 so that the appropriate menu title can be selected and shown on the display 126. Consequently, the output data memory 118 must be large enough to store a separate set of volume levels and menu titles for each of the external accessories and should be individually addressable by the CPU 112 when the volume levels are being programmed. The selection data generated by the identification processor 114 in response to receiving the identification data provides the correct location in the output data memory 118 of menu titles and the programmable volume levels. As with the memory 116, the output data memory 118 may include both ROM and RAM type memory, as well as non-volatile random access memory.

Although FIG. 1 illustrates the output data memory 118 as a separate element, it can be appreciated by one skilled in the art that the output data memory could be part of memory 116. That is, memory 116 could be divided into addressable areas where the user programmable volume levels and the associated menu titles may be stored and accessed by the CPU 112, or by any other processing unit, when the volume levels are being programmed. Thus, the display 126 provides the user with accessory specific volume menu titles and eliminates confusion that results from displaying the same volume menu titles irrespective of whether the volume levels of the wireless communication device 101 or the connected external accessory 201 is being adjusted. Having the specific volume menu title shown on the display 126 when programming the volume settings prevents the user from mistakenly programming the wrong set of volume settings.

For example, when the headset accessory 202 is connected to the wireless communication device 101 and the user intends to adjust the volume of the earpiece 206, the user will access the volume adjust menu of the wireless communication device 101 to program the particular volume settings for the earpiece. Selection of the volume adjust menu and programming thereof can be accomplished using the display 126 and keypad 128 in a conventional manner. The menu selection and volume level programming are well-known and need not be described in greater detail.

Prior to accessing the volume adjust menu, the identification processor 114 has already received identification data indicating that the wireless communication device is connected to the headset accessory 202. The identification processor 114 uses the identification data to generate selection data. On the basis of the selection data, the correct menu title is selected from output data memory 118 and shown on display 126 to inform the user that the volume of the earpiece 206 is currently being programmed, as illustrated in FIG 3A.

In addition to selecting the appropriate volume menu title from output data memory 118, other tasks may be performed based on the selection data. For example, the selection data generated by identification processor 114 may be used to indicate the storage location of output data memory 118 where the programmed volume settings for the headset accessory 202 are stored. The output level at which the output driver 124 will generate driving signals for the earpiece 206 is determined by the volume levels stored at the storage location selected based on the selection data. Although this process is not necessary for selecting and displaying the correct volume menu title on display 126, it may be performed without departing from the principles of the invention presently disclosed.

Now consider when the headset accessory 202 is disconnected from the wireless communication device 101. The identification data received by the identification processor 114 will reflect the fact that the headset accessory 202 is no longer connected. Accordingly, the identification processor 114 will generate new selection data corresponding to the new identification data. If the user accesses the volume adjust menu when no external accessory is connected, the menu title selected from the output data memory 118 will be based on the new selection data and shown on the display 126 to inform the user that the volume settings of the wireless communication device itself are being programmed, as illustrated in FIG. 3B. Selection of the storage location of the output data memory 118 where the programmed volume levels for the wireless communication device 101 are stored may also be based on the selection data. The programmed volume levels stored at the newly selected storage location of the output data memory 118 will determine the output level at which the output driver 124 will generate driving signals for the speaker 122.

Similarly, when the carkit accessory 210 is connected to the wireless communication device 101, the identification processor 114 receives identification data reflecting this fact and in response, generates corresponding selection data. When the user accesses the volume adjust menu to program the volume levels for the carkit accessory 210, the selection data generated by identification processor 114 will be used to select the appropriate menu title from output data memory 118. The selected menu title shown on display 126 will inform the user that the carkit volume levels are currently being programmed, as illustrated in the FIG. 3C. The selection data may also be used to indicate the storage location of output data memory 118 where the programmed volume levels for the carkit accessory 210 are stored. The output level of the driving signals produced by output driver 124 to drive the speakers of the automobile audio system 214 will be determined by these programmed volume levels. Thus, the wireless communication device 101 will always display the correct menu title when programming volume levels so the user can easily program the desired volume levels for the wireless communication device 101 and each external accessory 201.

In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the output data memory 118 stores a menu title corresponding to each adjustable volume setting, and also for each external accessory 201 that could be connected to wireless communication device 101. In this fashion, the user will be informed not only of which particular external accessory is connected, but also which particular volume level of the connected external accessory 201 is being programmed.

It is to be understood that even though various embodiments and advantages of the present invention have been set forth in the foregoing description, the above disclosure is illustrative only, and changes may be made in detail, yet remain within the broad principles of the invention. For example, the menu titles shown on display 126 do not need to be in the form of written syntax, but may be in the form of an icon or symbol, as shown in FIG. 3D, to indicate that the volume settings of the external accessory represented by the icon or symbol displayed are currently being programmed. Therefore, the present invention is limited only by the appended claims.

What is claimed is:

Claims

1. A wireless communication system comprising: a wireless communication device having user programmable volume levels and a connector; an external accessory having an external output device and being connectable to the wireless communication device through the connector; an internal output device to produce output signals; a processor to receive identification data indicative of whether the wireless communication device is connected to or disconnected from the external accessory; an output driver to generate driving signals at a first adjustable output level to drive the external output device if the wireless communication device is connected to the external accessory, and to generate driving signals at a second adjustable output level to drive the internal output device if the wireless communication device is not connected to the external accessory; and a display coupled to the wireless communication device to alternatively display a label related to the first adjustable output level for the external output device or a label related to the second adjustable output level for the internal output device based on the identification data when programming the first or second adjustable output levels.

2. The wireless communication system of claim 1, further including first and second storage locations to store output level data indicative of the first and second adjustable output levels, respectively, the first and second storage locations being alternatively selected for programming based on the identification data when programming the user programmable volume levels.

3. The wireless communication system of claim 1 wherein the external accessory is a headset having a headset speaker as the external output device, and the display displays the label related to the headset speaker output level when the headset is connected to the wireless communication device.

4. The wireless communication system of claim 1 wherein the external accessory is a carkit for use in an automobile having an audio system and the external output device is the automobile audio system, and the display displays the label related to the output level of the automobile audio system when the carkit is connected to the wireless communication device.

5. The wireless communication system of claim 1, further including a keypad operable by a user to enter user input information, the output driver generating driving signals at a third adjustable output level to drive the internal output device in response to user operation of a key on the keypad, and the display displaying a label related to the third adjustable output level for the internal output device when programming the third adjustable output level.

6. The wireless communication system of claim 1 wherein the output driver generates driving signals at a third adjustable output level to drive the internal output device in response to detection of an incoming communication, and the display displays a label related to the third adjustable output level for the internal output device when programming the third adjustable output level.

7. A wireless communication device having user programmable volume levels and being connectable to an external accessory having an external output device, the wireless communication device comprising: an internal output device to produce output signals; a processor coupled to receive identification data and to generate selection data based on the identification data, the identification data indicative of whether the wireless communication device is connected to or disconnected from the external accessory; and a display coupled to the processor to alternatively display a first label related to a first adjustable output level for the external output device or a second label related to a second adjustable output level for the internal output device based on the selection data when programming the first or second adjustable output levels.

8. The wireless communication device of claim 7, further including first and second storage locations coupled to the processor to store output level data indicative of the first and second adjustable output levels, respectively, the first and second storage locations being selected for programming by the processor based on the selection data when programming the user programmable volume levels.

9. The wireless communication device of claim 7, further including an output driver to generate driving signals at the first adjustable output level to drive the external output device if the wireless communication device is connected to the external accessory, and at the second adjustable output level to drive the internal output device if the wireless communication device is not connected to the external accessory.

10. The wireless communication device of claim 9 for use with an external accessory that is a headset worn on a head of a person having a headset speaker as the external output device wherein the display displays the first label related to the headset speaker output level when the headset is connected to the wireless communication system.

11. The wireless communication device of claim 9 for use with an external accessory that is a carkit for use in an automobile having an audio system and the external output device is the automobile audio system wherein the display displays the first label related to the output level of the automobile audio system when the carkit is connected to the wireless communication system.

12. The wireless communication device of claim 9, further including a keypad operable by a user to enter user input information, the output driver generating driving signals at a third adjustable output level to drive the internal output device in response to user operation of a key on the keypad, and the display displaying a third label related to the third adjustable output level for the internal output device when programming the third adjustable output level.

13. The wireless communication device of claim 9 wherein the output driver generates driving signals at a third adjustable output level to drive the internal output device in response to detection of an incoming communication, and the display displays a third label related to the third adjustable output level for the internal output device when programming the third adjustable output level.

14. The wireless communication device of claim 7 wherein the second adjustable output level for the internal output device comprises a plurality of programmable volume levels corresponding to the output signals, and the display displays the second label related to a selected one of the plurality of programmable volume levels when programming the selected one of the plurality of programmable volume levels.

15. The wireless communication device of claim 7 wherein the display displays a label identifying the external accessory when the identification data indicates the external accessory connected to the wireless communication device.

16. A method of altering display labels shown on a display of a wireless communication device connectable to an external accessory when programming user programmable parameters of the wireless communication device, the method comprising: receiving identification data indicative of whether the wireless communication device is connected to or disconnected from the external accessory; selecting a display label related to a first adjustable parameter for an external output device of the external accessory or a display label related to a second adjustable parameter for an internal output device of the wireless communication device based on the identification data; and displaying the selected display label on the display when programming the first or second adjustable parameters.

17. The method of claim 16, further comprising selecting for programming a first storage location to store parameter data indicative of the first adjustable parameter or a second storage location to store parameter data indicative of the second adjustable parameter based on the identification data.

18. The method of claim 16, further comprising generating driving signals at an output level related to the first adjustable parameter for driving the external output device if the wireless communication device is connected to the external accessory, and at an output level related to the second adjustable parameter for driving the internal output device if the wireless communication device is not connected to the external accessory.

19. The method of claim 16, further comprising: selecting an identification label identifying the external accessory based on the identification data; and displaying the selected identification label on the display when programming the user programmable parameters.

20. The method of claim 16 wherein the user programmable parameters are volume levels and selecting a display label based on the identification data comprises: selecting from a plurality of labels corresponding to a plurality of programmable volume levels related to a first adjustable volume level a label that identifies the programmable volume level being programmed when the identification data indicates connection to the external accessory; and selecting from a plurality of labels corresponding to a plurality of programmable volume levels related to a second adjustable volume level a label that identifies the programmable volume level being programmed when the identification data indicates disconnection from the external accessory.